BREAKING NEWS: A New Era Beckons in Nigerian Tourism — #TheFTANWeWant Movement is Born as Stakeholders Elect Amb. Phil Roberts to Lead the Charge into the future

Future

Abuja, Nigeria – July 1, 2025

A powerful pressure group is rising within Nigeria’s tourism landscape. Driven by forward-thinking stakeholders and members of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), the group has launched a bold new movement — #TheFTANWeWant — signaling a generational shift in the leadership and direction of the federation.

This movement is not just about change. It’s a loud, collective declaration that the time has come for a modern, youth-led, purpose-driven leadership that reflects the dynamism and potential of Nigeria’s tourism industry.

 

#TheFTANWeWant — A Movement, Not Just a Campaign

Following a strategic stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, the movement officially elected Amb. Phil Roberts, FCISM, FIHSD — Nigeria’s Global Tourism Ambassador — as its project lead and preferred candidate for the upcoming FTAN Presidential election.

Now gaining momentum across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, the #TheFTANWeWant campaign seeks to restructure FTAN’s leadership in the forthcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM). The goal is clear: to position Nigerian tourism for innovation, investment, and international competitiveness.

Speaking to journalists after the stakeholder engagement at Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Amb. Phil Roberts declared his readiness to lead FTAN into a new era.

“My professional journey has taken me across global tourism markets, especially in Asia, where I studied models of tourism development, policy integration, and public-private partnerships,” he said. “What we need now is a visionary leadership that bridges policy and practice — and gives power back to the professionals who drive this industry.”

 

A Manifesto of Reform: The FTAN We Want

Under Amb. Roberts’ leadership, the movement has unveiled a bold, transformative agenda that prioritizes sustainability, inclusivity, and professionalism across the tourism value chain.

Key Promises and Reforms to FTAN Members and Delegates:

1. Healthcare Support for Tourism Practitioners

Launch of a sector-wide health and welfare scheme for tour operators, travel agents, and tourism entrepreneurs.

2. Training & Certification for Tour Guides

Establishment of regional training centers for certified tour guides and destination managers, in partnership with global institutions.

3. Funding Access for Stakeholders

Advocacy for tailored government and donor funding support to tourism-based MSMEs and enterprises.

4. Legislative Engagement & Policy Advocacy

Creation of a permanent FTAN Liaison Office within the National Assembly to drive favorable tourism policies and funding.

5. Digital Transformation of FTAN

Development of a digital hub featuring a national tourism data bank, e-directory of members, and integrated tech solutions.

6. International Strategic Partnerships

Expansion of FTAN’s global network via collaborations with UNWTO, AU, ECOWAS, China-Africa platforms, and others.

7. Youth & Women Empowerment in Tourism

Institutional frameworks for youth and women inclusion through mentorships, training, funding, and leadership pipelines.

8. Revival of the National Tourism Calendar

Coordinated support for state associations and annual events to enhance domestic tourism and cultural branding.

9. Tourism Diplomacy & Investment Promotion

Leverage Amb. Roberts’ international network to attract new markets, partnerships, and tourism investments.

10. Organizational Reform & Transparency

Repositioning FTAN with modern systems, transparent governance, stronger state chapters, and inclusive decision-making.

 

“The Time is Now,” Says Roberts

Amb. Phil Roberts, speaking on the heels of the recently concluded UN CAF 68 Tourism Assembly in Abuja, emphasized that the call for youth-led tourism governance is now louder than ever.

“The United Nations and the international community have declared it’s time for the youth to take the lead in tourism development. Nigeria must not be left behind,” he urged. “The FTAN we want must be smart, responsive, professional, and globally competitive.”

 

A Movement for All

As FTAN’s AGM approaches, support for the #TheFTANWeWant campaign continues to surge. This movement is not about ambition — it's about a shared vision to restore professionalism, dignity, structure, and sustainable growth to the Nigerian tourism ecosystem.

 

Join the Movement Today

📧 Email: [email protected]

📢 Hashtag: #TheFTANWeWant

 

Project Lead:

Amb. Phil Roberts, FCISM, FIHSD

Nigeria’s Global Tourism Ambassador

Presidential Aspirant – FTAN 2025